BEYOND TRACK LIMITS
THE HISTORIC VILLAGE...
High up above the Red Bull Ring lies the village of Seckau, known for its 12th-century Benedictine Abbey. A short drive from the track but a world away, Seckau also boasts some 4* and 5* hotels. The Hofwirt is a good bet for dinner -- staff were happy to adapt food for vegetarian party members, which isn't always the case in this part of the world.
THE URBAN OPTION...
The Styrian countryside looks like a CGI backdrop with landscapes straight out of The Sound of Music. There's little local comfort for urbanites, but Graz is within driving distance and makes a reasonable base from which to explore. The Murinsel artificial island, floating in the Mur, is stunning at night.
PARTY LIKE A LOCAL...
While the organisers put on all manner of concerts and events for campers and ticket-holders, there's not much to do post-race if your interests extend beyond drinking beer in a field. Make like a local and have a retro night out in a hotel/restaurant designed to look like a Las Vegas chateau. Just make sure to leave your ego at the door...
Around the Red Bull Ring
AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX
As one of F1's historic circuits --despite the odd changes to layout and owner -- the Red Bull Ring is a traditional deep-country track. Hotel stock is limited, the drive from the airport is a bit of a slog, and restaurants close far earlier than you'd like. But while there's not a lot to do around the race, it's not impossible to find a good time in Styria.